LIQUID DELIVERY DEVICE

Abstract: A liquid delivery device (2) for delivering liquid to an elevated or depressed horticultural locus comprises a water vessel (4) having a cap (6) in which holes (8) are defined. The vessel is supported on an elongate handle (14) having a handgrip portion (16) at one end. In use, the vessel is filled by plunging it into a bucket (18) of water, so that water flows through the holes (8) in the cap (6). To water a hanging basket (22) positioned above the level of ground (24), an operator holds the handgrip portion (16) and manipulates the device to a position in which the vessel (4) is above the hanging basket (22), with the holes (8) facing generally upwardly. When suitably positioned, the handle (14) is rotated by the operator through about 180 DEG so that the holes (8) face generally downwardly and water droplets (26) fall from the vessel under gravity. Other devices are described wherein the angle of the vessel relative to the handle and/or the length of handle (14) are adjustable.

Description: LIQUID DELIVERY DEVICE This invention relates to a liquid delivery device and method of delivering liquid to, for example an elevated or depressed position and particularly, although not exclusively, relates to a device for and a method of delivering water to an elevated horticultural locus, for example to a hanging basket. Elevated planters such as hanging baskets are often watered using a garden hose extension nozzle, pressure pack unit, pump unit or heavy watering can, often with an operator standing on a ladder, chair, stool or box. With daily watering being necessary in warmer weather, these methods, which are typically recommended by gardening writers, are troublesome and potentially dangerous. A number of solutions to the problem of watering elevated planters has been proposed in patent literature in, for example, U.K. Patent No. GB 19 661 (Woodburn) , U.K. Patent No. GB 953 785 (Edward Thomas & Co), U.S. Patent No. 1 078 005 (Shanks) and U.S. Patent No. 4 771 924 (Aylor) . Each of the aforementioned patents describes watering devices which comprise a receptacle for water, pivotally mounted on one end of an elongate support means having, at an opposite end, a handle arranged to be held by an operator. An operating means, for example in the form of a length of cord, is fixed at one end to the receptacle and at its other end to a position adjacent the handle. In use, an operator holds the handle and positions the receptacle at an elevated position adjacent to a planter. Then, the operator uses the operating means to cause the receptacle to pivot and deliver its contents to the planter. Disadvantageously, however, the devices described are cumbersome, heavy and relatively expensive to manufacture. Commercial embodiments of the devices are not known. It is an object of the present invention to alleviate at least some of the problems associated with known liquid delivery devices and methods. According to the invention, there is provided a method of delivering a liquid by an operator in a first position to a second position spaced from said first position using a liquid delivery device comprising a liquid receptacle having an outlet for liquid and, supporting the receptacle, an elongate support means having an elongate axis, the method comprising the steps of: arranging the liquid delivery device such that said receptacle is positioned adjacent said second position with its outlet facing upwardly; and causing the liquid receptacle to rotate about the elongate axis of said elongate support means so that the outlet faces downwardly in order to deliver liquid to said second position. Said first position may be at one level, e.g. at ground level and said second position may be at another level, e.g. above ground level. The method preferably includes the step of filling the device by immersing a part thereof in a receptacle containing liquid. The device is suitably arranged to be filled by liquid passing through the outlet of the receptacle. The invention extends to a liquid delivery device for use in the method, for example for delivering liquid by an operator in a first position to a second position, for example an elevated or depressed position, the device comprising: a liquid receptacle having an outlet for liquid; and an elongate support means supporting the receptacle. The device preferably includes a fixing means arranged to limit movement of the receptacle relative to the support means. Preferably, said fixing means is arranged to fix the position of the receptacle relative to the support means. Said fixing means may permanently fix the position of the receptacle relative to the support means. In this event, the receptacle is suitably immovable relative to the support means. Alternatively, said fixing means may be operable between a first state in which the position of the receptacle relative to the support means is fixed and a second state in which the said receptacle and support means are movable, for example pivotable, relative to one another. In a preferred embodiment, in use, said fixing means may be arranged in said second state, the position of the receptacle relative to the support means adjusted to a preferred position and then the fixing means may be arranged in said first state to fix the position of the receptacle relative to the support means in said preferred position. In a less preferred embodiment, the receptacle may be arranged to pivot, suitably under its own weight, through a small angle (e.g. less than 45°, preferably less than 20°) in use. Said fixing means is preferably fixed at one end to said elongate support means and at another end to said receptacle. Said outlet of said liquid receptacle preferably faces in a direction which extends transversely to the elongate axis of said elongate support means. Said outlet of said liquid recepcacle preferably faces in a direction which defines an angle x to the elongate axis of the support means, wherein x may be in the range 45° to 135°. Preferably, x is in the range 70° to 120° and, more preferably, is in the range 80° to 110°. Especially preferred is the case wherein x is about 90°. Said liquid receptacle may include a plurality of outlets for liquid, each of which suitably faces in the same direction. Said elongate support means is preferably substantially rigid. Said elongate support means is preferably adjustable in length. Said liquid receptacle may have a volume of at least 0.5 litres. Said liquid receptacle may have a volume of less than 4 litres. Preferably, the volume of the liquid receptacle is in the range 0.5 litres to 2.5 litres. Said liquid delivery device is suitably arranged to deliver liquid by an operator rotating the device about the elongate axis of the elongate support means. The device is preferably arranged to be movable between first and second positions. In the first position, said outlet for liquid suitably faces upwardly and, therefore. substantially no liquid may escape from the vessel. In the second position, said outlet for liquid faces generally downwardly and, therefore, liquid may flow out of the vessel. The device is suitably rotated about the elongate axis of the support means between the first and second positions. Said device is preferably arranged to be filled via said outlet for liquid. The device may be arranged to be filled by immersing said outlet for liquid in liquid held in a receptacle, for example a bucket. The invention extends to the use of the device described above for delivering liquid by an operator in a first position to a second position for example an elevated position or depressed position. The invention extends to a method of manufacturing a liquid delivery device as described above, including the step of supporting said liquid receptacle on said elongate support means. The invention further extends to a liquid receptacle for a liquid delivery device as described above, the liquid receptacle being arranged to be supported by an elongate support means and, preferably, fixed in position by a fixing means. Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view, partly in cross- section, of a device for watering elevated planters; Figures 2(a), (b) and (c) show the steps involved in watering a hanging basket in an elevated position; Figure 3 (a) , (b) and (c) shows the steps involved in watering a hanging basket in a depressed position; Figures 4 and 5 show modified devices; Figures 6 and 7 show a device including a pivotable vessel in side elevation and front elevation respectively; Figures 8(a), (b) , (c) and (d) show alternative hole patterns for the devices; Figures 9(a) and (b) show alternative elongate handles for the devices. In the embodiments described, the same or similar parts are annotated with the same reference numerals. The device 2, shown in Figures 1 to 3, comprises a generally cylindrical water vessel 4 having a screw- threaded cap 6 which includes a plurality of " holes 8 therein. A web portion 10 extends away from the vessel 4 and defines a socket 12 in which one end of an elongate handle 14 is secured. A hand grip portion 16 is provided at the other end of the handle 14. Referring to Figure 2, the vessel 4 of the device may be filled by plunging it into a bucket 18 which contains water 20. Water flows through the holes 8 in the cap 6 to fill the vessel. To water a hanging basket 22 positioned above the level of ground 24, an operator holds the hand grip portion 16 and manipulates the device from the position shown in Figure 2(a), via the position shown in Figure 2 (b) , to a position in which the vessel 4 is above the hanging basket 22 with the holes 8 facing generally upwardly. It should be appreciated that substantially no water is lost from the vessel during the manipulation, since at all times tne holes of the vessel face generally upwardly. When suitably positioned, the handle 14 is rotated by the operator through about 180°, as represented by arrow 25 in Figure 2(c), so that the holes 8 face generally downwardly and water droplets 26 fall downwardly from the vessel under gravity. The device 2 may also be manipulated so as to water a hanging basket 30 below the level of ground 24 (for example when basket 30 is below a balcony) , as shown in Figures 3(a) to (c) . Again, the device is manipulated so that the holes 8 face generally upwardly until the vessel 4 is suitably positioned, whereupon the handle 14 is rotated by the operator to deliver water to the hanging basket 30. The vessel 4 of the device 2 is suitably moulded from a transparent plastics material. The vessel includes measuring lines 32, which divide the vessel into quarters and may be used, for example, to measure an amount of liquid fertilizer to be delivered to a hanging basket. The vessel may have a volume in the range 0.5 to 2 litres. The web 10 and socket 12 are also suitably moulded from a plastics material and then secured to the vessel. It will be noted that, in the device 2 of Figures 1 to 3, the openings 8 in the lid 6 face in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the elongate axis of the handle 14. This arrangement will be satisfactory for most applications. In some cases, however, it may be preferable for the openings to face in a direction which defines an angle x of less than 90° (for example about 80°) as shown for the device 38 of Figure 4, or which defines an angle of greater than 90° (for example about 100°) as shown for the device 40 of Figure 5. Instead of the angle that the vessel 4 defines with handle 14 being permanently fixed, means may be provided for adjusting the angle. Referring to Figures 6 to 8, device 50 includes a water vessel 4 and a cap 6 having holes 8 therein as in the other embodiments. However, the device 50 includes two spaced-apart web portions 51, 52. One part of a connecting member 54 is fixed to handle 14. Another part of the connecting member 54 includes a hole 56, therein, positioned between the web portions 51, 52. A shank 58 of a screw device 60 extends through hole 56 and an associated nut 62 is provided for securing the connecting member 54 in position. By untightening nut 62, the vessel may be pivoted relative to handle 14 to a suitable position, for example to positions equivalent to the positions shown in Figures 4 and 5. The nut 62 is then tightened so as to fix the relative position of the vessel and handle prior to the watering of a hanging basket. The number of holes 8 in the lid 6 and the relative size of the holes may be adjusted in order to adjust the time that the vessel 4 takes to fill and the spray pattern of water from the vessel. For example, a single relatively large hole 8 may be provided (Figure 8(a)); or a plurality of holes 8 of different sizes may be provided (Figures 8(b) to (d) ) . The handle 14 may be of a fixed predetermined length as shown in Figures 1 to 5. Alternatively, the handle may comprise a plurality of parts 80, 82 (Figure 9(a)) which may be screwed together or telescoping parts 84, 86 (Figure 9(b)) so that the length of the handle 14 may be adjusted as may be required. As an alternative to filling the vessel 4 from a bucket, the vessel may be filled from a tap, hosepipe or other suitable device. It should now be appreciated that, in preferred embodiments, a device for watering elevated planters may be relatively easy to manufacture. Also, it should be noted that no parts of the device need move when water is delivered to an elevated planter and, accordingly, the device is very simple to use. Furthermore, since an operator does not need to stand on a chair or ladder to water elevated planters using the device, the device may be relatively safe to use. As an alternative to the device being used to water elevated planters such as hanging baskets, the device may be used for watering plants disposed up or down a bank on which an operator is positioned. The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features. The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s) . The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) , or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A method of delivering a liquid by an operator in a first position to a second position spaced from said first position using a liquid delivery device comprising a liquid receptacle having an outlet for liquid and, supporting the receptacle, an elongate support means having an elongate axis, the method comprising the steps of: arranging the liquid delivery device such that said receptacle is positioned adjacent said second position with its outlet facing upwardly; and causing the liquid receptacle to rotate about the elongate axis of said elongate support means so that the outlet faces downwardly in order to deliver liquid to said second position. 2. A method according to Claim 1, wherein said first position is at one level and said second position is at another level. 3. A method according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, including the step of filling the device by immersing a part thereof in a receptacle containing liquid. 4. A liquid delivery device for use in the method according to any of Claims 1 to 3, the device comprising: a liquid receptacle having an outlet for liquid; and an elongate support means supporting the receptacle. 5. A device according to Claim 4, including fixing means arranged to fix the position of the receptacle relative to the support means. 6. A device according to Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the receptacle is immovable relative to the support means. 7. A device according to any of Claims 4 to 6, wherein said outlet of said liquid receptacle faces in a direction which extends transversely to the elongate axis of said support means. 8. A device according to any of Claims 4 to 7, wherein said outlet of said liquid receptacle faces in a direction which defines an angle x to the elongate axis of the support means, wherein x is in the range 45° to 135° . 9. A device according to Claim 8, wherein x is about 90°. 10. A device according to any of Claims 4 to 9, wherein said liquid receptacle includes a plurality of outlets for liquid. 11. A device according to Claim 10, wherein each of said outlets faces in the same direction. 12. A device according to any of Claims 4 to 11, wherein said elongate support means is substantially rigid. 13. A device according to any of Claims 4 to 12, wherein said elongate support means is adjustable in length. 14. A device according to any of Claims 4 to 13, wherein said device is arranged to delivery liquid by an operator rotating the device about the elongate axis of the elongate support means. 15. A device according to any of Claims 4 to 14, the device being arranged to be filled via a said outlet for liquid. 16. A device according to any of Claims 4 to 15, the device being arranged to be filled by immersing a said outlet for liquid in liquid held in a receptacle. 17. The use of a device according to any of Claims 4 to 16 for delivering liquid by an operator in a first position to a second position. 18. A method of manufacturing a liquid delivery device according to any of Claims 4 to 16, including the step of supporting a said liquid receptacle on a said elongate support means. 19. A liquid receptacle for a liquid delivery device according to any of Claims 4 to 16, the liquid receptacle being arranged to be supported by an elongate support means.

Inventors: MCLEAN GORDON MAXWELL, MCLEAN, GORDON, MAXWELL
Applicants: COLLACH LIMITED, MCLEAN GORDON MAXWELL, MCLEAN, GORDON, MAXWELL
Application year: 1994
Main classification: A01G25
IPC codes: A01G25